Thousands of offenders, including thieves and burglars, will no longer have to reveal their criminal past to employers as attempts are made to boost their job prospects.

Former prisoners sentenced to six months or less in jail will have to admit their criminal history on job application forms for only two years from the end of their sentence instead of the current seven from the date of conviction.

Those convicted of more serious offences will also be subject to a big cut in the length of time they have to declare the convictions, in the first major change to the